Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you crave a chocolate dessert that’s rich, fudgy, and absolutely unforgettable, this Flourless Chocolate Cake is about to become your go-to indulgence! With an ultra-silky center and a bittersweet depth, it delivers pure, chocolate-forward bliss in every bite—no flour necessary and endlessly impressive whether it’s a celebration or a lazy Saturday night treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Flourless Chocolate Cake is that you only need a handful of staple ingredients, each bringing its own flair and richness to the table. Here’s a peek at what makes every component essential for that dreamy fudgy result.

• Semisweet chocolate chips: The foundation of the cake—choose a quality brand for smooth melting and luxurious flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Gives the cake its delicate sweetness and helps create the signature crackly top.
• Instant espresso powder (optional): Adds depth and amplifies the chocolate, without making it taste like coffee.
• Fine salt: A small pinch makes the chocolate flavor pop and prevents the cake from being overly sweet.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic bakery aroma to the final bite.
• Large eggs + egg yolk: Bind everything together while creating a luxuriously rich texture.
• Dutch-process cocoa: Deepens the chocolate flavor and gives your cake a gorgeous dark color.
• Chilled heavy cream: Whipped and gently folded in for an airy, mousse-like bite.
• Powdered sugar, whipped cream, ice cream, fresh berries: For topping—a finishing touch that brings freshness and contrast.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Flourless Chocolate Cake is how easy it is to tailor with just a tweak or two. Whether you’re adjusting for allergies, pantry supplies, or flavor adventures, these variations make it yours.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter with a neutral oil or dairy-free butter, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious, non-dairy version.
• Extra Indulgent Ganache Topping: Pile on a layer of silky chocolate ganache after chilling for double the luxury.
• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a bright, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of toasted hazelnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Melt the Chocolate

Preheat your oven to 350°F and treat an 8-inch round cake pan to a generous swipe of nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment, add another mist of spray, and you’re ready for a smooth release later. Melt your chocolate chips and butter in the microwave using 30-second bursts, stirring until rich and glossy—you want completely melted but not hot. This is your fudgy foundation.

Step 2: Whisk in the Flavor Essentials

Whisk the sugar, instant espresso powder (if using), salt, and vanilla directly into the melted chocolate mixture. Allow it to cool briefly—too much heat and you risk scrambling the eggs later! This step ensures every bit of sugar dissolves for that classic crisp top.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Cocoa

Add all three eggs plus the yolk at once, then whisk vigorously until fully incorporated and glossy. Next, sift or sprinkle in your Dutch-process cocoa, stirring gently until combined. The batter is thick and remarkable—don’t be tempted to thin it!

Step 4: Whip & Fold the Cream

Beat the chilled heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft, medium peaks form. Using a spatula, gently fold this cloud of whipped cream into the thick chocolate batter, working carefully so you don’t deflate the mixture. It should look luscious and semi-mousse-like.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes: the edges will be set but the center should tremble slightly (a thermometer should read at least 200°F in the center). Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, running a knife around the edges, then let it finish cooling completely—then, cover and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours (overnight makes it sublime) before unmolding and serving.

How to Serve Flourless Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic for this cake, instantly giving it an elegant finish that glows against the dark chocolate. A billowy spoonful of fresh whipped cream (or even vanilla ice cream) adds cool, creamy contrast, and jewel-like berries—raspberries or sliced strawberries—bring color and a burst of freshness to each slice.

Side Dishes

Since the Flourless Chocolate Cake is beautifully rich, I love to serve it alongside tart, crisp elements like a simple raspberry coulis or a citrus fruit salad. For the ultimate special touch, pair with a cup of fresh espresso or a flute of sparkling wine—absolute heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into thin wedges for a delicate, restaurant-style statement, or cut into elegant squares topped with microgreens and edible petals for a modern twist. For celebrations, a dramatic drizzle of chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes turn it into centerpiece-worthy magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake is a superstar when it comes to storage. Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator; it will stay wonderfully moist and delicious for up to three days—if you can resist finishing it sooner!

Freezing

Want to stash some indulgence for later? Simply wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re ready to serve last-minute guests or midnight cravings in style.

Reheating

If you love a touch of warmth, let the chilled cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth bite—perfection alongside cool cream or berries!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This is one of those magical desserts that always leaves people swooning and asking for the recipe. If you’ve never tried making Flourless Chocolate Cake at home, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in—it’s simple, elegant, and utterly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to share and savor this with your favorite people!

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